Leaky Fridge Water Line? What It Means for Your Floors
Leaky Fridge Water Line? What It Means for Your Floors
Most folks don’t notice a fridge leak until it’s already caused some damage. You might spot warped floorboards, feel soft spots under your vinyl, or see water stains creeping out from under the refrigerator. If that sounds like your kitchen right now, it’s time to act fast.
At Total Home Water Restoration, we’ve seen how a simple refrigerator water line leak can spiral into a big headache. Here's what you need to know—and how we help you fix it.
Why Fridge Water Line Leaks Happen
The water line feeding your ice maker or water dispenser is usually a 1/4" plastic or copper tube. Over time, that line can:
Crack from age or wear
Pull loose during fridge moves
Get pinched or damaged from improper installation
Leak slowly from a worn connection
Even a slow drip can soak into wood subfloor, seep under vinyl or tile, and invite mold in just a couple of days.
What Can Happen to Your Floors
A leaking fridge water line doesn’t just wet the surface. That water runs underneath everything—flooring, underlayment, subfloor—and can sit there unnoticed. Here's what we've found under many kitchen floors:
Swollen laminate or vinyl plank flooring
Warped hardwood boards
Mold between layers of flooring
Rotten subfloor and damaged framing
In Ohio, per the 2021 Residential Code of Ohio (based on IRC), any structural wood damaged by moisture must be replaced to maintain integrity and safety.
What to Do Right Now
Turn off the water to the fridge immediately.
Unplug the fridge and move it to inspect the area.
Blot up surface water, but don’t peel up floors until a pro checks for mold.
Call us at 380-246-1837 for same-day water damage inspection.
We use moisture meters, infrared cameras, and hands-on inspection to find hidden water damage.
How We Repair It
Every job is different, but here’s how we usually handle fridge line leaks:
Water extraction if there’s standing water
Drying equipment to remove moisture from subfloor and wall cavities
Mold prevention treatment
Flooring and subfloor repair or replacement (code-compliant)
New water line installation, secured and tested properly
We work directly with your insurance company if you’re filing a claim.
Common Questions
Q: Is a fridge water line leak covered by insurance?
A: Usually, yes—especially if it was sudden and not due to long-term neglect. We help with documentation and estimates.
Q: Can I just replace the flooring myself?
A: Not if there’s water trapped underneath. That can lead to hidden mold and damage spreading.
Real Talk from the Jobsite
In Grove City, we recently helped a homeowner who noticed her vinyl plank flooring bubbling near the fridge. A slow leak had been going for weeks. We had to remove part of the floor, dry the subfloor, and replace the damaged line. She told us, “I never would’ve guessed it was that bad under there.” That’s why a quick check isn’t enough—you need a pro to assess the full picture.
Call Total Home Water Restoration
If you’re dealing with a fridge water line leak in Grove City, Hilliard, Columbus, or nearby, call us now. We’ll fix it right—the first time.
Tyler Zimmerman
Owner, Total Home Water Restoration
4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
📞 380-246-1837
